HSC Ancient History Minoan Crete notes

A condensed summary of notes for Bronze Age - Minoan Crete with relevant evidence to each syllabus points and contemporary issues. Minoan Crete is a niche case study for Ancient Societies, but hopefully these notes can be of help to you and your HSC exam!

The layout for this exam includes a detailed explanation for each syllabus (HOW + WHY) with an abundance of primary evidence as well as historians' quotes to support your arguments :D

These notes are based on the Ancient History Stage 6 Syllabus (2017): SURVEY The historical and geographical context, including:

• geographical setting, natural features and resources of Minoan Crete
• significant sites

FOCUS OF STUDY Social structure and political organisation, including:

• issues relating to gender and identity of the ruler(s)
• palace elite
• roles and status of women
• craftsmen and agricultural workers

The economy, including:

• palace economy
• importance of agriculture
• role of towns: Gournia and Zakros
• trade and economic exchange
• the concept of thalassocracy
• occupations, crafts and industry
• technology

Religion, death and burial, including:

• nature and identity of deities
• religious symbols
• religious places
• rituals
• funerary customs and rituals
• tombs
• myths and legends relating to the Minoans

Cultural and everyday life, including:

• art
• architecture of palace complexes
• writing
• health of Bronze Age Minoans as revealed by human remains